Guide to Wet Rooms
• Which system is correct for your home • Questions to ask before employing a fitter • Top things to look for 1 • How to hire a bathroom fitter
Table of Contents
About me.…………………………………………………………………..….......1 What is a wet room…..………………………………………………………….. 2 Determine the Full scope of the Project …….…….……….....……...….… 3 Design and Planning ..……………………………………………………………4 Decide on the equipment…..……………………………………………………5 How to get estimates and appoint fitters …………………………………….6 How to avoid problems check list..…..….…..…..…..……...…......………..7 Choosing the correct suppliers…….…………………………………………..8
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Are you frustrated or confused by your wet room project?
I Will Walk You Through
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Bathroom Design Equipment Choice Choosing the correct suppliers How to create a list of works What to ask ,My
name is
How to appoint the
Grant Bliben And for over 32 years I have been involved in the bathroom industry. Many things have changed in that time except for the need of quality materials and true craftsmanship. Now I'm providing this information to you. It is my goal to provide you with a free comprehensive guide that will take you through the entire process from start to finish and answer all questions.
Plus help everyone achieve the best possible results.
I have seen many projects go wrong. Then the homeowner calls me to fix the mess. This doesn't need to happen. Learn all the tricks and tips from start to finish. Do it right the first time and have many years to enjoy your home.
Right fitters Protecting your investment And more
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A new Bathroom is still the best way, after a kitchen, to increase the sales value of your home if done correctly. Even if you do not plan to sell in the near future, a new bathroom can make life easier and more enjoyable for your family
If a quality Job is what you're paying for, have it done right the first time 3
2.
What is a wet room?
A : HERE’S THE NORMAL SORT OF ANSWER YOU WOULD GET Building a wet room can be time consuming & difficult, with many complex issues to consider. A wet room is a bathroom, or an area, where the shower is formed level with the surrounding floor. Normally the tray would be tiled TIP: NOT NOW WITH ELEMENTS WET ROOM SYSTEMS: A. A wet room or a tile-able shower tray. The wet-room relies on a completely water-proof room, which is not difficult to achieve these days, even upstairs on chipboard sub-floors, however there does still remain a concern in some showroom manager’s minds about installing wet-rooms. If that concern is insurmountable a simple alternative is the low-level shower tray that can satisfy demand but uses the more familiar product mix of shower tray and enclosure. Q. What sorts of systems are available? A. There are many products on the market used for creating wet rooms, including the use of rubber matting under the tiles, fabric waterproof mat and even painting the floor underneath the tiles with a rubber based solution. You can even buy a drain that has to be sealed into a concrete floor and the falls have to be created by the Installer. All these systems are very limited as to where they can be fitted and totally rely on the installer’s expertise. Q A
Where can you fit Elements tile-able trays? A tile-able tray can be used anywhere that normal or standard shower trays can be fitted.
Q A
Can I have level or easy access tray if I have a wooden floor? Yes as long as you can get the waste to run under floor boards and between the joists.
Q A
How much will a level access tray add to my existing wooden floor height? 10 mm + the tile and adhesive bed. The tray area itself is recessed into the floor then
10mm Elements board is used to waterproof the rest of floor and to correct falls in preparation for tiling. In fact if you want to tile your bathroom floor the recommendation is to fit 18mm ply wood over the floor before tiling. So by using Elements board system only it will reduce the height at the door threshold by 8mm
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Q Can I have level access if I have a concrete floor? A Normally this would have to be done before the finish screed is placed over the concrete by placing a 40mm tray and plumbing in the waste prior to finish screed. You could cut out the concrete and do this but it is probably better to use one of Elements other systems. Q What if I can’t get the waste under the floor, ie concrete floor, wooden joist or steel beams in the way? A No Problem ! Elements have a tile-able tray system to suit all your needs. All the kits can be installed on either concrete or timber floors. To select the most suitable product you need to know whether the drain can be fitted below the floor or above, what type of floor it is to be installed to wooden or concrete. These simple questions answered will determine product suitability. Q
Am I limited by the size of the room or tray?
A No Elements have a large range of off the shelf sizes in stock and because it’s manufactured in the UK they can custom create sizes within a short amount of time. Q Does the tray require any further waterproofing or protection before tiling? A No. All the trays are waterproof, you just apply the special tapes and adhesives around the tray joints and walls to create a totally tanked system. Q. Can I waterproof the walls ? A Yes Elements has a massive range of products Including wall boarding Tile-able bath panels, basin stands, full shower enclosures, basins, baths, pipe boxings and more!!!! Q What are the benefits of Elements and Why Elements Light and easy to handle High structural compressive strength Environmentally friendly product Waterproof properties Thermal insulation Easy to cut and shape Structural stability & bonding strength to tiles Ability to fix or bond to any surface Recommended for use with electric under tile heating 10 year guarantee Made in the UK
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3.
Determine the Full scope of the Project.
There are numerous decisions to be made when renewing your bathroom. Write down exactly what work you need to have completed. The more detailed you are, the easier the quote process will go. Providing each perspective bathroom fitter with a detailed list will help eliminate any confusion or added costs once the project has been started. Walk through the project in your mind, and determine exactly what your expectations are. These decisions will not only determine the cost of the project, but will have a direct impact on the success of the final product. It is crucial that you spend sufficient time addressing these issues prior to commencing the work. As with any home renovation, the key is in the planning. . We will be going through each of these in detail. Here are some things to consider: · General • What is your budget? • Are you keeping the same configuration of the bathroom as the existing layout? • What do you like most about your current bathroom? • What do you dislike most about your current bathroom? • Are there currently enough bathrooms in the house for your family, as it expands for children, teens or live-in relatives? Use • What will the bathroom be used for? • Master bath, child’s bath, guest bath, • Who will be the primary users of the bathroom (adults, children, guests)? • How many people will be using the bathroom at one time? Comfort • What features would make the bathroom more comfortable? • Are there enough sinks and counter space available? • If multiple family members are sharing the bathroom, do you need private bathing and/or vanity areas? • Bath or Shower or Both? • If it is a shower, do you want a fibre glass shower base or tiled. • Acrylic or Resin shower trays are more cost effective however tiled shower trays are much more aesthetically appealing and adds more value to your home • Do you prefer to take showers or baths? • If you like baths, would you prefer a bath and shower combination unit or would you like to have them separate • Would you like to install a whirlpool bath or steam shower? Storage • What type of storage will you need in the new bathroom? • Will you need storage for cleaning supplies, toiletries, linens, etc? • Do you prefer a fully built airing cupboard or vanity storage? • Do you want a medicine cabinet or mirrored wall cabinet? • Do you desire a bathroom linen basket built in to vanity furniture or separate? • Will you be storing items such as hand towels, towels, washcloths or have a stock on hand of toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies?
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Other Considerations • Do you need additional lighting over a shower or bath? • Do you want lighting around the vanity? • Wall mounted or recessed lighting? • Relocating lighting (this will require electrical and drywall work) • Installing or replacing extractor fan? • Keeping light fixtures in the same location will of course save you money • Wall coverings: Decorating: • Paint, wallpaper, tile or a combination? • Shaver Sockets and Toothbrush points? • Repair or replace window? Your bathroom installer should be able to recommend. • Are you going to be replacing the bathroom door, same style? • Pre hung or replace door using existing door jambs? • Would you like it painted or stained? • Fully tiled, half tiled or just splash backs. Material to be used • Size of area to be tiled m2 is always helpful. • Vanity top material, laminate, wood, marble, granite, Corian ® • Wood or tiled floor, wood base is more cost effective; however tile has a classier look. • Toilet selections: • Flooring material, tiled to match shower tray. Vinyl? • Flooring Vinyl or wood laminate is a separate specialist skill. Please don’t use carpet.
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4. Design and Planning stage The wet-room, which started to appear in the great style-influencer, the glossy magazine, has taken a firm hold on the wish list of home improvers, providing as it does a good lifestyle enhancement in a limited space. There is an identifiable trend towards opening-up the living spaces in new homes, with kitchens, becoming dining areas, becoming lounges with no dividing walls. We are seeing some early examples of bathrooms becoming open parts of bedrooms and that trend could easily grow, which would probably encourage baths and showers to be styled to match or complement the rest of the bedroom furniture; in these cases the bathroom products may even become bigger! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Draw out a plan on paper using metric measurements mark out the existing position of the toilet bath and sink measure width, height and length of room Draw out a plan on paper using metric measurements Show window and door & positions. show any other cupboards or Plumbing
TIP: Use magazines for ideals of what to include, Call your local bathroom showroom. You can pay a designer to plan your bathroom and some companies offer a payment refund if you buy the goods from them.
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5.Decide on the equipment Finding the right equipment need not be a dreary task, wasting all your weekends. Your specific project will require several different types of equipment. These are all based on personal preferences and the certain “Look” you are trying to achieve. You can get brochures of all major brands at your local bathroom centre. Check out our on-line resources links for you to use. The equipment is normally separated by Nine main areas It is always best to follow these easy steps when deciding: 1. Sanitary ware basins, toilets, 2. Baths. 3 Shower trays 4. Shower & bath doors and surrounds 5. Furniture vanity units and cabinets 6. Brassware taps and showers 7. Mirrors and accessories 8. Tiles and flooring. 9. Electrics TIP: it’s easier if you can buy all the products in one store, But that’s not always possible, remember if you are supplying the products arrange plenty of time for delivery prior to your fitters starting. Check delivery dates when choosing products.
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6. How to get estimates and appoint fitters Contact Several Fitters If this is your first time hiring a bathroom fitter make sure you take the time to select a qualified and reputable fitter or company. Always ask your friends, relatives, neighbours, also your local bathroom showroom will have some recommendations. The yellow pages or (if you go on-line yell.com) google maps is also a great resource giving you an address to put to names . It is always a good idea to select a fitter whose listing has several good reviews. You may need to contact several fitters by phone interview between three (3) and five (5) perspective candidates because after this first impression you may eliminate 2-3. This will enable you to get several quotes for comparison as well as more options to select the best fitter for the job. Set up a time for each fitter to meet you to discuss the project and their work history.
The estimate (Interview every Fitter) This step is a critical part of the entire process. You can make this process be as in-depth as you chose to. The more time you spend interviewing the fitter in your home or on the phone the easier it will be to make an informed decision. Here are some recommendations to help you through the interview process:
4Set up times for appointments and have your draft ideas ready ·
Discuss the project and their work history and expertise in this field.
Number of years fitting bathrooms Ask how many tradesmen will be involved in your project, it is unlikely that one man is a expert tiler, qualified electrician, plumber, plasterer and decorator. · Ask for recommendations or numbers of customers you can call Normally the job is assigned to one person who oversees the other trades and is on site every day, ask to meet him prior to starting the job. ·
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Beware a Builder or Plumber is not a bathroom specialist
Have the Fitter walk through the project and prepare an estimate. This is where the completion of step 3,4 & 5 will come in handy. Providing the fitter something in writing as you walk through the project area is extremely helpful. You should expect the fitter to have several questions, suggestions and require some clarification of certain aspects of the project. The more details discussed during the walk through will prevent headaches down the road, especially if you don’t reach an agreement before the contact is signed. Here are some items to keep in mind when describing the project for an estimate: 1. Prep work: Will you remove all the tiles and re-plaster? 2. Do you have a qualified electrician? 3. How will the surrounding areas be protected from dust? 4. What do you do with the rubbish? 5. Estimated Project duration 6. Daily work hours (start/finish) 7. Clean up 8. Payment expectation a. Final Payment is 10% withheld until job is complete and homeowner inspects and accepts the work done. 9. When will I receive an estimate, (Fitter to provide you a written quote/ estimate.) 10. Do you supply a detailed Estimate? 11. Have you and your fitters got limited liability insurance? 12. What are your guarantees? TIP: some people may be uncomfortable asking these questions while the fitter is in the house, so ask them on the phone. The general rule is if you are uncomfortable with them in the house don’t employ them
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Verify all information provided by the Fitter You need to validate all information provided to you by the Fitter. This validation process will be the best indicator in your hiring decision. The person you select will have access to your home and belongings. Their helpers will be in your home throughout the entire project. I strongly recommend you do not skip or rush through the verification portion of this process. This single process can prevent many problems and eliminate any possible devastating experiences with your home and family. The verification process must include at least the following items: 1. Contact every reference provided 2. When you speak to the references, thank them for their time, and ask specific questions about the type of job performed and the timeliness with which they completed the job, the quality of the finished work, whether any problems have arisen since the job was completed and how they resolved those problems. 3. Check Google or on-line actual homeowner reports from people in your own area.
7 Choose the Best Fitter for your Project! Hopefully the verification process validated your selection of fitters after the interview process. Once you have received the written estimates from all of the bathroom installers you should have a good idea of which person is providing you the best value for the work being completed. This should be a simple process of reviewing the information you have and selecting the best fitter for the job. Now you simply need to notify the fitter of your selection and begin the project!
Execute a Contract before any of the work begins. Execute a contract specifying the work to be done, total cost, payment schedule, start date working hours and estimated completion date. Make sure the contract includes the payment schedule to include the Final Payment (10%) being withheld until job is complete and homeowner inspects and accepts the work done.
Maintain involvement thought the project The success of the project is based on the completion of all processes being properly executed. It is always in your best interest to check certain aspects of the project. 1. Proper preparation of the surfaces prior to tiling. 2. Ensure all areas are properly covered to be protected during the work. 3. Daily inspection of work completed to ensure all schedules are being met. 4. Ensure proper cleanup daily, not to wait until completion of project. 5. Inspect quality of daily work completed and discuss any areas of concern as early in the process as possible. 6. Complete the final inspection, make the final payment, Enjoy the results!
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7.How to avoid problems check list 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Check address and phone numbers of company You must have a written estimate and full speciation of works Supply an agreed scale drawing to fitters When can you start? What date? When will you be finished? What date? agree time scales, check what working hours & days Find out how other areas will be protected in the house whilst work is being carried out. 7. How long services may be switched off and when. 8. Check how payments are required 9. If any extra work is required make sure the price is agreed in writing before it is carried out. 10. Make sure the company has liability insurance, 11. Check work guarantees 12. Keep all manufacturers information and guarantees
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8.
Choosing the correct suppliers
I would recommend buying your complete bathroom from a local bathroom show room, this may work out a first glance more expensive but read on CHOICE OF SUPPLIERS Your Plumber supplying: Most independent plumbers will not supply the equipment, only the materials needed for the installation. If he does supply this will generally work out more expensive and his choice of brochures will be limited.
In today’s market every one is fighting for the business so this is a great opportunity to buy your equipment at the best price ever. There are many options available and worth considering. Internet, web site If you buy goods on the internet, you still have the same rights as if you were shopping on the high street, in relation to faulty or poorly described goods. In addition, you are entitled to a seven working-day 'cooling off' period. A company might have a great website, but that doesn't mean it's law-abiding and if goods arrive wrong or damaged it may take some time to replace them, which could incur extra charges from your fitter. Tip: check out the physical address and phone number. Take into account the shipping, postage and packing costs Large D.I.Y stores Generally a large range of products off the shelf at affordable prices, advice and service is not always on hand, limited market products & brands. Collection and delivery can some times be a pain. Low-Mid range of products Local & National plumbers Merchants Generally a great source of knowledge & advice by staff, showroom if any can be limited on displays and probably won’t offer the latest design brands, advice generally good by staff. Low-Mid range products. National Bathroom showrooms Specialist with a limited amount of suppliers at affordable prices they may use own brand imported goods beware! Low-Mid range products, Local Bathroom Showroom Generally offer a design service and normally offer high standards of customer care and service, a good selection of major brands and designer products. These stores are normally specialist dealers with selective quality brands and are trained well on those products. They should also be able to give advice on installation and recommend installers. Low-High brand products. Local Bathroom Studio Design and Install. Offer design and install packages, more personal shopping experience, more direct and responsive relationships with customers, normally high standards of customer care and service, Some offer free local design and estimates, Low-High brand products Tips: always ask for a break down between the goods and the installation cost’s. Tips: remember there will probably be over 20 separate items that make up a bathroom, buy as much as you can from one supplier. 13
The best idea once you have selected what you want is to shop around ! That great deal might well be on offer just around the corner. Always ask your local store to see what they can do. •
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The same applies as with choosing your installer. Buy from the person that you feel comfortable with that fully understands your requirements and will help you through the whole process from start to finish Use retailers and services you know about - or ones that have been personally recommended to you. Make sure you ask about delivery of goods or services within agreed timescales. Don’t put your supplier under pressure, allow plenty of time for the goods to be ordered.
Resources:
www.aquaroomsuk.com my showroom
www.ebaths.co.uk
www.duravit.co.uk
my online web shop
Main brand bathroom manufacturer
www.abacusdirect.co.uk Main brand bathroom manufacturer
www.abacusdirectltd.com/main/brand-vessini.html Complete range of bathroom products www.vado-uk.com
Tap, Shower and brassware manufacturer
www.abacusdirectltd.com/main/brand-elements.html Wetroom products
www.ben-de-lisi.com Designer range of products
www.abacustltd.com/main/brand-fantini.html Designer range of Taps & Showers www.vitra-bathrooms.com/ Main brand bathroom manufacturer 14
If You are Local to Potters Bar, Hertfordshire? Our design and installation services are only available within a local area of our showroom ~ If you are interested in this service please call us 01707 662177 to confirm suitability. Design & Planning We offer a full service for your new bathroom 1. Planning Service All we require from you -are the measurements of your bathroom, so that our experienced sales team can produce a scaled plan - while advising on the layout and correct dimensional equipment to choose from. This is a free of charge in-store service. 2. Full Design Service You may prefer to leave the measuring to the experts and take the opportunity to discuss your new bathroom in the comfort of your own home. The measurements are then transferred to a Computer Aided Design System from which our designer produces sophisticated full color visuals right through to scaled plans and elevations - For this service we charge a fee of ÂŁ75.00 - refundable on your final order. Bathroom Installation We carry out a full onsite survey and supply a detailed specification of works and a contract of terms and conditions. We specialise in the complete job covering all the trades, all you need to do to finish the bathroom is bring your towel in and enjoy. Peace Of Mind After-sales service is equally as important to us as the sale of your new bathroom suite. Our reputation is our major asset and therefore - it is essential that you are completely satisfied with the service we offer before, during and after your purchase. Solving problems - quickly and efficiently - should they arise. It's worth remembering, manufacturers guarantees are only valid when goods are purchased directly from an authorised dealer. We have full support from all the companies we represent, so our after-sales service is second to none. As you can see, we can cater for all your bathroom needs. Our showroom is well worth the visit before purchasing any bathroom equipment. We'll happily leave you to browse our designer room sets - at your own pace in peace and quiet! Decide for yourself what makes us specialist in bathroom design and fitting. If you have your own fitter we would be more than happy to assist & supply only the equipment needed for your bathroom
if you have any Questions or comments on my guide please email me: veneziamarketing@googlemail.com
Good Luck with your upcoming project: 15
Copyright 2010 By Venezia marketing co ltd All rights reserved. No part of this document shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission by the author and venezia marketing co ltd. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors and omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
These are just my opinions formed over the last 32 years.
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